LATEST STORIES
Outdoor Exploration
Here in the Whanake room at BestStart Maunu Village in Whangarei, the Kaiako have offered many activities involving ball play; aiming and throwing; passing and catching.
Our children are also encouraged to explore the playground equipment, such as the slides, Monkey bars, ramps, bridges, balance boards, stepping stones, and other activities on offer throughout their day. The Kaiako have been focusing on gaining control of our bodies while playing and exploring the outdoor environment.
Outdoor exploration promotes regulation skills, as well as inviting children to engage in healthy and necessary risk play. Risky play builds self-confidence, and resilience, reduces anxiety, explores boundaries, and increases risk management skills.
Learning through play children are utilizing their body, brains, and senses to understand how things work and to understand the world around them. It’s a way for them to process ideas, experiences, and concepts and make connections.
This links directly to the Exploration Strand in Te Whāriki.
Children experience an environment where: They gain confidence in and control of their bodies.
With the Learning Outcome: Over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of: Moving confidently and challenging themselves physically.